Short summary:
Anyone planning to do any kind of digging needs to first call 811 to have buried utilities
marked.
Longer summary:
Buried utilities, including power lines, are everywhere. Homeowners planning any kind of
spring improvements — planting a tree, putting up a fence, building a child’s play set —
that include digging into the ground, must call 811 first to avoid damaging buried utilities
and injury or death.
Word count:
486, not including the sidebars
Look up — and down — for power lines
The man probably didn’t know what hit him — or, more accurately — what he hit. It was
that fast, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was digging a hole for a private contractor on private property with a large metal
auger. He struck an underground electric line and was electrocuted. Another man
working with him was injured, shocked, too, as he tried to come help him. This tragedy
took place in Gainesville, Fla., but it could have been in your nearest town or, maybe, in
your neighborhood or even your yard.
“Electric utilities have always warned the public about looking up to avoid contacting
overhead power lines,” said ________________________, (CEO/Line superintendent)
of (name of co-op). “But power lines could be under your feet, too. If you plan to dig or
excavate, you need to make sure there are no power lines or other utilities already there.”
Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” law requires anyone planning to dig to contact Indiana
811 at least two full working days before starting his or her project. This includes
homeowners looking to plant a tree, put in a new fence or children’s play set, or dig for
any other reason. After a homeowner or contractor contacts 811 about the location and
scope of a digging project, 811 contacts the involved utilities. Indiana 811 is a free call
and is available 24/7 to take your call.
Each utility will dispatch a line locator to the proposed digging site to mark the
approximate location of underground lines with color-coded marks, stakes or flags.
Some companies may send you an all clear message or mark OK on the ground. Once
all lines have been marked or determined not to pose a conflict to your excavation plans,
it is safe to dig carefully around the marks.
There is a 2 foot hand dig zone on either side of the marked buried facility where
extreme care must be taken, and only hand or vacuum excavation is allowed in this zone.
Your electric cooperative reminds you that those big green boxes in areas where buried
power lines have replaced overhead lines contain the high-voltage electrical equipment
you would normally see on a pole. They, too, need to be respected.
This equipment is posted with danger warning signs. While the equipment is generally
safe, if it or its covering has been damaged by vandals, careless landscapers or other
causes, a potential hazard may exist. Children should be taught not to play on top or
around the padmounted equipment. Please report any damage to your cooperative
immediately.
And while homeowners may not like the look of the green boxes, they should refrain
from placing shrubs, trees and other things next to them to hide them. Whenever a
problem arises, your electric co-op lineworkers must be able to access the box from all
sides. Any plantings nearby may be damaged or removed, and repairs may be slowed.
Sources: Indiana 811, Call 811, The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun, Indiana’s electric
cooperatives
Sidebar #1
Start digging in five easy steps:
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Plan your project. Before calling 811, know the specifics where you plan to dig,
including full address, and the scope of the project. Mark the designated area
with white paint or flags.
Call 811. Make the free call, dialing 8-1-1, or 1-800-382-5544. The 811
representative will give you a ticket number and a list of all the utilities which will
respond to your request.
Wait for the marks. The marking process typically takes two full working days. If
you call on a Tuesday, utilities have Wednesday and Thursday to mark your dig
site. Each utility marks its lines with an assigned color.
After two full working days, confirm that utility operators have visited your dig
location by comparing the colors of the marks with the list of utilities 811 gave
you. If a utility does not locate a conflict, it will call you or paint an “OK” in the
appropriate color.
Dig with care. Once your site is marked, you can begin digging. State law
mandates a 2-foot safety zone on either side of utility markings. You may only dig
with hand tools in the safety zone.
Sidebar #2
Be color coordinated — what the colors represent:
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Red – Electric
Orange – Communications, Telephone/CATV
Blue – Potable Water
Green – Sewer/Drainage
Yellow – Gas/Petroleum Pipe Line
Purple – Reclaimed Water
• White – Premark site of intended excavation.